COUNTRYSIDE ranger and outdoor journalist Ben Dolphin is inviting keen walkers in Helensburgh and Lomond to join him on a walk on the Lomond hills later this year.

The walk in September is one of a series of free, scenic and sociable walks he is leading across the country to mark his final year as the president of Ramblers Scotland.

Ben is inviting members of the public to join him and local Ramblers members for ‘President’s Walks’ at six different Scottish beauty spots this summer and autumn.

Spaces are limited to about 20 people per walk, so anyone interested should visit ramblers.org.uk/scotland to register well in advance.

Ben works as a seasonal ranger at National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge estate, writes for several magazines and newspapers, and publishes popular blogs and YouTube vlogs.

He said: “Before I took up the role all my walking was done solo. Group walking was therefore a new experience for me, and I’ve loved it!

“I always return from Ramblers walks feeling happy, and the chat, camaraderie and knowledge of Ramblers members has changed my perception of how we can experience the great outdoors.”

The President’s Walks dates in full:

– Sunday, June 2: Fife Coastal Path – Elie Explorer (seven miles, 125ft ascent).

– Saturday, June 29: Glen Sherup Horseshoe (10 miles, 2,000ft ascent).

– Saturday, July 27: Mar Lodge Estate – Creag Bhalg and Glen Quoich (10 miles, 1,410ft ascent).

– Sunday, August 25: Ben Vorlich near Loch Earn (six miles, 2,765 ft ascent).

– Saturday, September 28: Lomond Hills - West Lomond Rocks! (8.7 miles, 1,500ft ascent).

– Sunday, October 27: Edinburgh Explorer – A River Runs Through It (7.3 miles, 520ft ascent).

Ramblers Scotland director Jess Dolan said: “We’re proud to have Ben Dolphin as our president and we’re really grateful for him volunteering to lead these walks.

“He is a knowledgeable, respected champion of everything that makes walking in Scotland so memorable, from our animals and plants to our landscapes and world-class access rights.”

Attendees must make sure they are fit enough, and have suitable footwear, food and clothing for the walk they want to join.